You will encounter pickup trucks no matter where ever you go in North America. They are used throughout the world. However, nowhere on the globe is a pickup truck has been identified with culture and identity as it is done in the United States.
Pickup trucks are quite handy for a variety of jobs ranging from carrying agricultural supplies to picking up new living room furnishings or bringing dirt bikes out to play. Modern trucks have gone so far that their interiors can compete with luxury vehicles, and the trucks themselves can be considered status symbols in some social groups. It’s not uncommon to come across someone whose sole mode of transportation has always been a pickup truck.
As a result, the subject of the reliability of the present and previous generations of this country’s best-selling vehicles is regularly raised. That’s because most people see these vehicles as modern-day workhorses that can withstand whatever damage is thrown at them.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado dependable? Is a Ram 1500 going to abandon me on the side of the road? Can Honda and Toyota extend their renowned small-car dependability to their full-size pickups? What are the most reliable used trucks?
With all of those thoughts racing through your mind, here is a list of some of the most reliable pickup trucks on the market.
2003 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota’s workhorse is one of the most durable vehicles you can buy, as you’d expect from a Japanese company that values dependability. Toyota understands what compact vehicle customers want, and its Tacoma pickup delivers. Toyota Tacoma has a long history of reliable service as a work truck, as well as a hard-earned reputation as a successful off-road vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the dependability of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma is 89 out of 100.
Toyota produces a Tacoma to suit practically any job or leisure activity. The Tacoma series begins with a basic two-wheel-drive work vehicle packed with nothing but quality, durability and dependability. The range culminates with luxurious four-wheel-drive versions with amenities equal to a small sedan. The only major complaint from owners is that the ride is bumpy and unpleasant.
2012 Chevy Silverado
In 1999, Chevrolet released the Silverado as a full line of trucks. They have subsequently served as valuable tools and modes of transportation for millions of people. Lifted Chevy Trucks have been a fixture on American roadways since 1918. Chevy trucks are known for being tough and dependable, capable of getting the job done no matter what.
While the small block Chevy utilized in trucks until 2002 was known for its dependability owing to its sturdy and simple construction, some of the subsequent engines suffered slightly more. However, according to Consumer Reports research, the 2012 Silverado has been the most reliable vehicle in the previous 20 years. It sports a 315-horsepower 5.3L V8 engine and a gearbox that gets high grades. This model was affected by just two recalls, both of which were minor.
2014 Honda Ridgeline
The strong crash test and reliability results of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline help catapult it to the top of the small pickup truck class. The 2014 Honda Ridgeline had a high reliability rating of 92 out of 100 from Consumer reports, with users stating that everything is fine except for the in-car electronics.
The Ridgeline’s unibody design not only rides well on ordinary roads, but it also performs admirably off-road.
It also boasted the most powerful base engine in its class, a 250 horsepower V6. It is connected to a five-speed automatic gearbox that sometimes shifts abruptly, but all-wheel drive is standard for superb overall handling. The Ridgeline has a towing capability of 5,000 pounds. It can also carry up to 1,100 pounds in its pickup bed, which has a unique in-bed trunk.
Overall, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline has a strong towing capability, a pleasant ride, excellent durability, and cargo flexibility in the form of extra in-bed storage and a dual-action tailgate.
2017 Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is difficult to surpass in terms of reliability. Although it is somewhat more expensive than its competitors, drivers can be confident that they are purchasing a durable vehicle when they purchase a Tundra.
The bold appearance and the Toyota nameplate distinguish the Tundra in this highly competitive marketplace. The Tundra reached its zenith in 2017, achieving a JD Power rating of 84 out of 100.
You can combine a pair of V-8 engines and a six-speed automatic transmission with rear- or four-wheel drive. The standard 4.6L engine produces 310 horsepower, while the upgraded 5.7L engine produces 381 hp. When properly equipped, the larger V8 can tow an estimated 10,200 pounds with the appropriate accessory packages.
Three cab and bed configurations provide plenty of flexibility, and the CrewMax features one of the most roomy interiors in the class. The only serious issue mentioned by vehicle owners is with the fuel system.
Altogether The Toyota Tundra appeals to truck consumers because of its no-nonsense simplicity, and track record of dependability.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
According to J.D. Power, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a Great (almost Excellent) reputation for reliability, with a score of 86 out of 100 points.
The Silverado 1500 is also a powerful and highly adaptable full-size truck, with a diverse range of powertrain options, cabin sizes, cargo bed lengths, and accessory packages designed for towing, off-roading, or daily ease.
A pair of powerful and elegant V-8 engines stand out among the powertrain options. The 6.2-litre V-8 engine produces class-leading horsepower (420) and a maximum towing capacity (12,500 pounds). In addition, the Silverado has a great towing capability and a mild-hybrid 5.3-litre V8 engine that gets the same economy as the entry-level V6 engine.
Every Silverado comes standard with a superb entertainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touch-screen controls are straightforward to use while driving. Overall, Chevy’s Silverado pickup-truck formula is great.
2017 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier, a midsize truck known for its excellent value and rugged styling, is another excellent option. Nissan upgraded the Frontier for the 2022 model year, like Toyota did with the Tundra; however, they kept the previous version for more than a decade. As a result, a well-maintained used model is a wise investment. The 2017 model scores a strong 85/100 reliability score from JD Power.
The 2017 Frontier is ideal for a truck shopper on a tight budget who doesn’t want the most up-to-date features. It can perform everyday job chores as well as weekend hauling, is quite adept off-road, and demonstrates that retro has a place. The overall look is reminiscent of truck interiors from more than a decade ago.
The 261-horsepower V6 engine outperforms the regular 152-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The V6 is also almost as fuel efficient, making it the better choice.
If you prefer to pull your own gears, the 2017 Frontier includes a manual gearbox with both the 2.5L four-cylinder and 4.0L V6 engines. When correctly equipped, the secondary provides higher torque and can tow an estimated 6,720 pounds.
The Frontier has unique storage choices, excellent music systems and the extreme off-road-ready Pro-4X trim, which can withstand ranch duty or a week-long vacation blasting through desert dunes. The Frontier is the most affordable pickup truck when compared to competitors, and it has one of the highest expected reliability scores.
2019 Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan takes one of the top spots on our ranking of the most reliable trucks. J.D. Power’s near-Excellent rating of 89/100 distinguishes the 2019 Nissan from the competition.
Despite lacking the popularity of Ford, General Motors and Ram competitors, Nissan employs the same big-truck formula. The only engine option is a 390-horsepower V8, yet it’s a joy to drive. While rivals Ford, Chevy and Ram offer a variety of engines, the Titan doesn’t falter when it comes to acceleration.
This Nissan truck is surprisingly nimble for its size and simple to manoeuvre in tight spaces. The 2019 Titan has added a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among its technological features.
Engineers designed the Pro-4X trim for hardcore off-roading, and they offered the S and SV trims in three cabin sizes.
However, the Titan has the lowest towing capacity in the light-duty class. Furthermore, it lacks the range of engine options, uniqueness and advancements required to disrupt the existing quo.
2019 Ford F-150
The best-selling full-size pickup in the United States was certain to rank near the top of the most dependable trucks. The Ford F-150 is well-liked for a variety of reasons, including its apparently infinite option list, superior hauling and towing abilities, and whole comfort level.
With three cab and bed designs and several aesthetic options, the attractive haulier can be customized for any work and any personality. Its current aluminium-body structure saves weight, which increases performance and fuel efficiency, and it comes equipped with a host of powerful engines and high-tech driving assistance.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra is a powerful and infinitely customizable full-size truck with a variety of robust engine options. The 2018 GMC Sierra offers long-distance comfort, spacious seating, and some of the best towing capabilities in a compact pickup. JD Power gives it a solid dependability rating of 82/100.
The crown jewel of the powertrain lineup is an available 6.2-litre V-8 with 420 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 12,500 pounds when properly equipped. Each Sierra comes standard with a superb entertainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The attractive GMC is not as technologically advanced as the Ford F-150, but it covers all the bases in any scenario.
This GMC offers lots of stretch-out space in the first and second rows, especially in the Crew Cab configuration. While the handling might seem a touch clunky at times, the Sierra compensates with a pleasant ride.
2018 Ram 1500
The 2018 Ram 1500 is an excellent used full-size truck for anybody in need of a hardworking vehicle that is also comfortable to drive daily. Credit Ram’s smooth ride, well-thought-out cabin design, user-friendly infotainment system and roomy interior.
The inside of the 2017-2018 Ram 1500 is befitting of a luxury vehicle, with genuine wood trim and heated and cooled leather seating. This truck features advance technology such as an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay integration.
The 2018 Ram 1500 offers a fuel-efficient V6, fuel-efficient diesel, or Hemi® V8 engine choice. All of them have an eight-speed automatic gearbox that powers the rear wheels by default. Four-wheel drive is available. The Ram 1500 has excellent on-road handling, and you can get an air suspension as an option to assist you to float over potholes.
The Ram 1500 moves up the J.D. Power rating list with a score of 83. That is encouraging for anyone looking for a committed pickup truck relationship.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado
Colorado, a mid-sized pickup truck, won the MotorTrend Truck of the Year award for the second time in three years. The popularity of mid-sized trucks have surged due to their lighter frame, better fuel economy and improved towing capacity. This model offers unmatched performance with multiple trims for car buyers looking for a powerful truck without spending too much.
Since 2014, the Chevrolet Colorado has received several design and powertrain updates. For 2018, Chevy’s 3.6L V6 engine with smarter software controls boosts power to 308hp and torque to 275 lbs.-ft. It also features a new 8-speed automatic transmission which ensures smoother gear shifting while maximizing highway mileage under ideal conditions. A 2.8L Duramax® turbodiesel that makes 369 lb-ft of torque is available for the 2019 Colorado. All trims include GM’s rear view camera as standard equipment, which meets federal safety standards.
2019 GMC Canyon
The 2019 GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup that stands out for its magnificently aggressive styling, well-appointed interior and unmatched towing capacity. This year’s model comes with a refreshed exterior design, an all-new infotainment system and several other minor updates throughout. Whether you’re in the market for a truck for your business or looking for a rugged and reliable family vehicle, the GMC Canyon is always worth considering.
If fuel economy is one of your top priorities when shopping for a new truck, then look no further than the 2019 GMC Canyon — especially if you opt for either one of the available 2.5L I4 gas or 2.8L Duramax diesel engines.
2019 Ford Ranger
The 2019 Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck that offers powerful performance, modern technology, and efficient fuel economy. It is offered in four trims, each equipped with its own unique features and advantages. With the return of the Ford Ranger to the American market after an 8 year absence, it has created a great deal of excitement for drivers looking for a dependable and capable mid-sized pickup truck.
What Affects the Reliability of a Vehicle?
A number of crucial factors intrinsically link dependability and durability of a vehicle. For instance, how you maintain it, your maintenance plan (if you have one), and whether you drive carefully or recklessly. It also depends on the locations where severe weather may affect the vehicle’s structure.
Regular oil changes, tire rotation, fluid flushes and fuel-system cleaners, as well as keeping the outside and underbelly of your car clean, will all extend the life of your vehicle. Keeping it out of the harsh desert or tropical heat, as well as away from the rust-inducing salted roads of winter, will help it last longer.
Finally, if you keep the Lewis Hamilton driving antics to the minimal, your brakes, engine, tires and chassis will be healthier and less troubled for far longer than if you treat every trip to the grocery store like it’s a lap record.
There are many great used trucks for heavy-duty work, explorations, or everyday convenience. Find your perfect fit at our used cars inventory.
